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Category Archives: Sacraments
Retranslating the Liturgy: Pope Francis Changes the Law (Episcopal Authority, Part I)
Q: Some ladies at our parish are all aflutter because they read somewhere that the Vatican has changed the rules on translation of liturgical rites into the vernacular. Specifically, bishops are now permitted to translate the Mass and other rites … Continue reading
Posted in Holy Mass, Other Canonical Questions, Sacraments, The Pope
Tagged canon law, Catholic, Liturgiam authenticam, liturgical books, Magnum principium, translation
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When is it Okay to Go to an SSPX Mass?
Q: My parents (devout Catholics) have been attending an SSPX Mass on Sundays. I have always understood that SSPX churches are not licit options for a Roman Catholic. I have read your posts, and showed them to my parents, but … Continue reading
Posted in Baptism, Confession, Crimes and Sanctions, Holy Mass, Parish Life, Sacraments, The Eucharist
Tagged canon law, Catholic, Mass, schism, schismatic, SSPX
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Can a Latin Catholic Man Enter an Eastern Catholic Seminary?
Q: My 17-year-old son wishes to pursue his vocation to the priesthood in the Byzantine Rite (having been mostly raised in this rite) even though both of us parents are Roman Rite. Our Byzantine pastor informs us that we parents … Continue reading
Posted in Clergy Issues, Holy Orders, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, Church sui iuris, eastern Catholic, seminarian, seminary
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Do Children Have to Make Their First Communion at Their Own Parish?
Q1: My youngest daughter is ready for first communion. She has attended the catechism classes, she has done all the required steps. Our priest is also a friend and knows that very well. He has given communion to our five older children. Yet, … Continue reading
Posted in Parish Life, Rights of the Faithful, Sacraments, The Eucharist
Tagged canon law, Catholic, First Communion, First Holy Communion, first penance, parish
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Repost: Is Confession Still an Easter Duty?
(This was written some time ago, but since it has become incredibly popular during the Lenten season, it seems worthwhile to bring it to readers’ attention once again. Note that declarations of a “pandemic” do not eliminate the clergy’s responsibility … Continue reading
Posted in Confession, Parish Life, Sacraments
Tagged canon law, Catholic, confession, Easter duty, holy communion, penance, sacrament
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